Africa’s richest self-made woman Magda Wierzycka: SA’s geopolitical stance is derailing global trust

In this wide-ranging interview with Bronwyn Nielsen, Magda Wierzycka, CEO of Sygnia Limited, offers a candid assessment of South Africa's political and economic landscape. She discusses US–South Africa relations, the impact of Trump-era policies, challenges within the Government of National Unity, and the critical need for meaningful engagement with business. Wierzycka is clear-eyed about the limitations of current policy approaches, including the unworkable National Health Insurance (NHI) plan, and highlights investor skepticism rooted in uncertainty. Despite these challenges, she expresses cautious optimism about South Africa’s future and emphasises the importance of pragmatism, reform, and private sector inclusion in policy-making.